02/12, 12:15am
We review Dell's smaller XPS performance notebook
The 13- to 14-inch notebook screen size is currently one of the hottest areas of competition right now: it's where Apple, HP, and others start off their higher-end models. Dell has certainly been one of the most active in this space and has brought its high-end XPS line to that space through the 14z. We'll check in our Dell XPS 14z review whether the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Sony VAIO S, or comparable rivals will feel the strain.
more
02/10, 2:05pm
MacBook Pro expected to slim across the line
On and off rumors of a major MacBook Pro redesign were supported on Friday with leaks supporting a complete overhaul. The AppleInsider hints had Apple's high-end notebooks being overhauled over the course of 2012 to more closely resemble the MacBook Air, dropping optical drives and slimming down. Rumors of a 15-inch Air were more likely references to Apple repeating what it did with the unibody MacBook Pro, where the 15-inch model led the redesign and other sizes followed later.
more
02/07, 10:05pm
Previous generations of MacBook Air, MBP, iMac
[Update: MacBook Pro eligibility corrected] Apple late today issued further EFI firmware updates to allow previous-generation MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMacs to access Lion Internet Recovery, a technology that lets users re-download and reinstall Lion when the hard drive containing the recovery partition has completely failed and no other backup medium is available. The models updated today include the MacBook Air (late 2010), the mid-2010 aluminum iMacs and the mid 2010 MacBook Pros.
more
02/06, 9:00pm
Lion update includes sharper art assets
Skulking in Apple's Mac OS X 10.7.3 update has raised possibilities that Apple's on-again, off-again high-DPI support may be more established in the final version. Art assets found for mouse pointers by Marc Edwards both look different and scale to large sizes without the usual pixelated look. One claim had a Mac mini using HDMI kick into the normally hidden HiDPI mode after 10.7.3 was installed.
more
02/03, 3:45pm
Current topics from the forums
This week 10.7.3 was released, and MacNN forum goers were quick to start discussing this latest update to the Mac operating system. Yesterday Moderator OreoCookie started a thread looking for some advice on what kind of Solid State Drive to get for their MacBook Pro, click here to read more.
more
01/27, 10:15am
Deals on MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more. Macmall.com this week is featuring the 15.4-inch, 2.2GHz MacBook Pro, complete with quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM, 750GB hard drive, and Mac OS X Lion operating system. Currently featured at DealNN, this MacBook Pro has now dropped to $1,749.99 and offers savings of up to $449.
more
01/25, 7:20pm
Enables Lion Recovery from an internet connection
Apple this afternoon issued three EFI updates for mid-2010 era MacBooks, MacBook Pros and Mac minis, the sole purpose of which was to enable Lion Recovery from an internet connection. The change allows users who have lost the ability to boot from their hard drive or installed a blank new hard drive and don't have a physical backup to restore Lion by re-downloading it from the Mac App Store.
more
01/24, 7:00pm
Refurbished iPads, iPods and more
At Apple's online store today save on a variety of refurbished Apple products from iPads and iPods to MacBook Pros. Starting at $399, after a $130 discount, is the refurb. 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G. The 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi is available as well in both white or black for $499. At the top of the iPad pricing scale is the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G in black or white for $729 after a $100 price break.
more
01/20, 3:20pm
Troubleshooting, advice and more
Yesterday in the MacNN forums Fresh-Faced Recruit CaptainKirk asks if there is another way to install OS9 in the thread titled "how to reinstall OS9 on Graphite iMac DV SE 400?" One forum goer with a new MacBook Pro is having some trouble with AirPlay and hopes other members have some advice, read more here.
more
01/17, 4:25pm
Low prices on refurbished Apple stuff.
Today at Apple's online store save on refurbished MacBooks, iPads and more. A $300 price cut can be found on the refurb. 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage, it's now $799. For $929, after a $170 discount, is the refurb. 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.3GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive.
more
01/13, 12:15pm
Deals on MacBook Pros, notebooks, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted MacBook Pros, laptops, and more. Macmall.com has recently lowered the cost of the 15.4-inch, 2.0GHz MacBook Pro, complete with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, and maximum image resolution of 1440 x 900. Currently featured at DealNN, the MacBook Pro has now dropped to $1,549.99 and offers savings of up to $249.
more
12/30, 12:55pm
Low prices on MacBooks and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on MacBook Pros, headphones, and more. Apple's online store is offering discounts on a wide range of refurbished MacBook Pros, one of which is the refurb. 2.53GHz MacBook Pro with a 17-inch glossy widescreen display, 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5 processor. Currently featured at DealNN, this model has now dropped $380 in price and can be purchased for only $1319.
more
12/28, 12:55pm
Apple power cutoff technology blamed
Toshiba's Canvio-series USB 3.0 hard drives are failing to connect properly with the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, according to PhoneNews. The site says it tested five Canvio drives with a new 2011 Air; none of them mounted, and in most cases, the drives are said to have failed to even spin up. The issue appears to be Mac-centric, since it was otherwise reproduced only on a Sony VAIO notebook and a current-generation MacBook Pro.
more
12/20, 7:10pm
Refurbished items from Apple's online store
Today at Apple's online store save on refurbished MacBook Pros, iPads and iPods. Currently refurb. MBP models start at $1319, after a $380 price cut, for a 15.4-inch model with a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. Or for $1529 upgrade to the 15.4-inch MBP with a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.
more
12/16, 3:40pm
Current forum topics
Rumors that Apple is to launch a MacBook Pro with a Retina display have surfaced, and MacNN forum goers were quick to jump on the topic, click here to read more or join in. Earlier this week one Fresh-Faced Recruit started a thread looking for some help with MacBook Air iSight problems.
more
12/14, 10:40am
HP considers fresh device logos in new strategy
HP contractor Moving Brands has proposed a remake of the company's signature logo that would be as much a change of philosophy as image. Its remake would go to four angled lines that imply the logo and would be more modern than the current design, which is still closer to the icon from the company's early days. The angle would not only dictate the theme of promo material but even integrate into products, such as the capacity on inkjet printers.
more
12/14, 6:00am
Super hi-res MacBook Pro due in 2012?
Digitimes is reporting that Apple’s expected refresh, and possibly redesign, of its MacBook Pro line in 2012 will feature display resolutions up to 2880x1800 pixels. Currently, the highest resolution on the 15-inch MacBook Pro line is 1680x1050 pixels, while the 17-inch model tops out at 1920x1200 pixels. Apple is known to have incorporated HiDPI capabilities into Mac OS X Lion code in a strong sign that Apple plans to shift to much higher resolution displays beyond the iPhone 4 and 4S Retina Display and the rumored 2048x1536 display headed for the iPad 3.
more
12/13, 3:45pm
Refurbished iPods, iPads and more
At Apple's online store today save on a range of refurbished Apple products from iPods and iPads to MacBook Pros. Starting at $109 is the refurb. 8GB iPod nano in blue, green, pink, orange, black or silver. For just $20 more, $129, is the refurb. 16GB iPod nano in the same colors. Or upgrade to the 160GB iPod classic in black, now $209 after a $40 price break. One refurb. 64GB iPod touch configuration is also available for $249 after a $120 price break.
more
12/13, 12:25pm
Deals on MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more. Macmall.com has the 2.0GHz MacBook Pro available as its Deal of the Day, complete with 15.4-inch glossy widescreen display, 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, and quad-core Intel Core i7 processor. Currently featured at DealNN, this model has now dropped to $1,479.99 in price and offers savings of up to $319.
more
12/12, 10:15am
Intel revises down for Windows PC builders
Intel on Monday showed the full extent of hard drive shortages by lowering its outlook for the fall. It now expects to make $1 billion less in revenue than before, at $13.7 billion, as companies are unable to ship PCs without the drives they need. The holiday season would still see sales up versus the summer, Intel said, but it expected problems up to the spring.
more
12/06, 1:55pm
Intel Ivy Bridge to focus on efficiency over clock
Following a desktop slip, details of Intel's notebook versions of its Ivy Bridge processor lineup have leaked as well. The lineup seen by VR-Zone will simplify into just U-series ultra-low voltage chips that use 17W and full-power M-series chips that use 35W, 45W, or 55W depending on the model. All 25W chips have disappeared now that PC builders can dial down the peak power themselves.
more
12/06, 1:45pm
Low prices on refurbished Macs
Apple's online store today has cut prices on a wide range of refurbished Macs, such as the refurb. 2.5GHz Mac mini with dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 500GB hard drive, now $699 after a $100 discount. For $150 more is the refurb. 2.66GHz Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server, which offers the same 4GB of RAM and 500GB hard drive as the first Mac mini and can be purchased for only $749.
more
12/05, 9:20am
LG Z330 takes MacBook Air, Pro cues
Already known for ultraportables, LG took a more direct shot at the ultrabook category Monday with a new addition to the Xnote line. The Z330 carries a 13-inch screen and a tapered, silver and black design reminiscent of a cross between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. LG claims the system is lighter, at under 2.7 pounds, and slightly thinner, at 0.6 inches.
more
11/29, 6:00pm
Low prices on refurb. Macs
Today at Apple's online store save big on refurbished Macs starting as low as $519 for a Mac mini originally released in July 2011, it features a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. A $100 price drop is available on the refurb. Mac mini with a 2.5GHz Intel dual core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $699.
more
11/28, 7:50am
Apple thin 15-inch may be next MacBook Air
Apple's very thin 15-inch system due next year is a MacBook Air, part suppliers claimed Monday. Supporting earlier talk of parts being on their way, Digitimes heard that test production was underway with a 15-inch model adding to refreshes of the 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch versions. All of them would arrive in the first quarter of 2012, or before the end of March.
more
11/24, 11:40am
Apple Australia tips Black Friday early
Apple Australia and New Zealand have crossed into Friday and have started Black Friday deals that confirm earlier leaks. Both are offering discounts on all iPads, the iPod nano and iPod touch. The MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac are all also on sale.
more
11/23, 10:10am
Macs, iPads, iPods see discounts
A leaked pamphlet shows the some of discounts Apple is planning to offer for this year's Black Friday sale, according to 9to5Mac. In terms of computers, the company is taking $101 off the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. iPad 2 discounts range from $41 to $61, depending on storage capacity, and a similar philosophy applies to the iPod touch, which is getting between $21 and $41 off. Both the 8 and 16GB iPod nanos are $11 chepaer.
more
11/22, 8:50pm
Current topics from the forums
Today in the MacNN forums one Grizzled Veteran started a thread comparing the specs on a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and the current generation MacBook Air, click here to join in. Also today forum goers discuss converting YouTube videos to MP3 after one Mac Elite inquired about the easiest way to do this.
more
11/18, 11:25pm
Storage device follows Apple design cues
Many of Iomega's Mac-oriented storage products merely ship pre-formatted for HFS+, but the new Mac Companion has been entirely designed with Apple's computers in mind. The housing is shaped to match the footprint of an iMac or Cinema/Thunderbolt display, while FireWire connections and a 2.1 Amp USB port complement Apple's computers and iOS devices. In our full review, we explore the Mac Companion's functionality as a storage device and connection hub.
more
11/18, 5:25pm
Claim details iPad 3, iPhone 5, MacBook Pro detail
An as yet unconfirmed rumor has outlined minor but significant details of Apple's 2012 roadmap. The tip to iLounge had the iPad 3's dual LED backlight leading to a rare increase in an Apple's device thickness, by 0.7mm (0.03in). The thickness would still keep it thinner than the original iPad but would show a sacrifice to get the rumored 2048x1536 display, whose density would reduce the amount of outbound light without the extra LED.
more
11/17, 2:20pm
Microsoft opens Tysons Corner store near Apple
Microsoft on Thursday opened its first East coast store at the Tysons Corner mall in McLean, Virgnia. The company's location, deliberately located just moments away from Apple's first-ever retail store, saw an eight-hour line to get in. As with most of Microsoft's openings, though, the queue was primarily to get free tickets for a Microsoft-run Joe Jonas show the following Saturday, which only went out to opening day visitors.
more
11/16, 12:00am
HP overhauls Envy 15, 17, and 17 3D for audio
HP in one of its more surprising unveilings Wednesday night completely remade its Envy 15 and 17 notebooks. The new versions take more of their visual cues from the MacBook Pro, adopting its silver-colored metal, but put an even heavier emphasis on Beats audio processing than they did in the past. Each has six speakers and a subwoofer, even going so far as to have an oversized thumb dial for volume that both gives it finer volume control and a more iconic look.
more
11/15, 12:00pm
Refurbished Mac notebooks
Apple's online store currently has a small selection of refurbished MacBook Pro models that were originally released in February 2011. They start at $929 for the 13.3-inch MBP with a 2.3GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. Save a whopping $550 on the refurb. 17-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.2GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 750GB hard drive, now $1949.
more
11/15, 9:00am
Affects small selection of Pros
Apple has pushed out a new video update for MacBook Pros. The code is extremely narrow in focus, concentrating only on mid-2010 model 15-inch Pros still running Snow Leopard. It is however said to deal with serious graphical issues, including freezing or video disappearing entirely.
more
11/14, 9:30pm
15-inch ultralight MacBook slated for March
The rumored very thin 15-inch MacBook may already have seen some of its earliest part shipments. A rumor emerging from the parts chain told Digitimes that unnamed components were already being sent to Apple. Their nature wasn't known, although test runs of the LCD had purportedly taken place in the past.
more
11/12, 11:30pm
Genius Bar iPads to allow for more nimble help
Apple is planning a significant revamp of the Genius Bar that could both reflect a changing of the guard and improve the experience for customers, a rumor late Saturday may have uncovered. Stores will supposedly replace the MacBook Pros with iPads, 9to5 understood, using an app equivalent to the GCRM repair management tool that they use now. The swap would let Geniuses move around the store to help diagnose systems anywhere in the store.
more
11/10, 10:25pm
Airport and TC updated to v7.6, MBP to v1.5
Late on Thursday, Apple released firmware updates for the MacBook Pro (all models), as well as the Airport and Time Capsule wireless base stations (802.11n capable models only). The update to the MacBook Pros, which brings the firmware up to version 1.5, resolves an issue where the MBP may shut down under heavy load when the battery charge is very low, even if the unit is actually plugged into power at the time.
more
11/08, 4:25pm
Cables may be at risk of separating
Apple has posted a fresh support document for what it's calling the Adapter Replacement Program. Part of the outcome of a class action lawsuit, the program covers 60 or 85W T-style MPM MagSafe adapters used with MacBooks or MacBook Pros. The accessories may be prone to something Apple calls "strain relief," in which the DC cable separates near either the adapter itself or the magnetic connector.
more
11/08, 3:40pm
Discussion topics from the forums
Today in the MacNN forums one Grizzled Veteran started a thread looking for some assistance with iOS 5 issues on the iPad 2, click here to join in. Also today Trygve started a discussion about running Snow Leopard on a brand new MacBook Pro.
more
11/01, 7:10pm
PlugBug alters MacBook adapter to power 2 devices
Twelve South picked Tuesday to unveil a unique add-on to help Apple fans that travel with more than one device. PlugBug takes advantage of the changeable connector on a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro AC adapter to add a 10W USB charger. The add-on can charge anything up to the power levels of an iPad and is seen as a way to charge the tablet, an iPhone, an iPod, or other USB hardware without having to remember all the cables or charge through the MacBook.
more
11/01, 5:30pm
Refurbished Macs and iPods
Today's deals at Apple's online store include price cuts on refurbished MacBooks, iMacs and more. Save $310 on this 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.7GHz Intel dual-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive now $1189. A $250 price break is available on the refurb. 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1249.
more
10/30, 10:50pm
15-inch MacBook Air gets minor supporting rumor
Apple's rumored 15-inch ultrathin notebook might have moved closer to completion if a quick rumor late Sunday claimed. The tip passed to Macotakara had test production runs of its 15-inch LCD completed. Apple was now in "product development," according to the claim, implying final refinement, though not necessarily production.
more
10/28, 1:35pm
Reduced prices on refurbished Macs
Save big on refurbished Macs today at Apple's online store, like this $100 price break on a refurb. Mac mini with a 2.5GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $699. For a little bit more, $749, is the refurb. Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server, a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM and dual 500GB hard drives.
more
10/28, 11:55am
Deals on MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted MacBook Pros, HDTVs, and more. Apple's online store now has refurbished MacBook Pros on sale for as low as $869, however the refurb. 2.2GHz MacBook Pro with 15.4-inch LED-backlit high-resolution widescreen display, 4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive, and Intel Core i7 processor is currently being featured at DealNN. The 2.2GHz MacBook Pro can be purchased this week for only $1949 and offers savings of up to $550.
more
10/26, 10:30pm
Updates mostly debut or enhance Thunderbolt
Late in the day, Apple Support released a group of EFI firmware updates to recent Mac models, including the current iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Air models, along with one for the just-discontinued "early 2011" MacBook Pros and one for Lion 10.7.2 specifically. With all four EFI updates, the firmware is being modified to either support or enhance existing Apple Thunderbolt Display compatibility and Thunderbolt Target Disk Mode. In addition, the company released QuickTime 7.7.1 for Windows.
more
10/26, 9:40am
Should return Air, Pro shipments to normal
A major Apple supplier, Catcher Technology, has confirmed it will fully reopen a closed Chinese plant next week, according to Reuters. The facility has been in limbo since mid-October, when it was forced to temporarily shut down because of complaints of strange odors received by local government. Catcher has previously said it would resume operations by November, and spend about $2-3 million to reduce pollution.
more
10/25, 2:05pm
Recent topics from the forums.
Yesterday the MacBook Pro receieved a small upgrade in processor speeds and graphics, and MacNN forum goers were quick to start a discussion about the latest upgrades. In an attempt to find a reason to get a new iPhone The Godfather started the thread titled "iPhone apps where you are seeing a 4S speed boost."
more
10/24, 7:40pm
Latter for mid-2010 15-inch model only
Apple issued two support updates today, the first another bugfix update for the Apple TV, the second a model-specific update for the mid-2010 15-inch MacBook Pro to fix issues relating to intermittent freezing of video. The 4.4.2 release of the Apple TV firmware is meant to consolidate fixes first offered in a troubled 4.4.1 update that was subsequently pulled and then re-instated due to a flaw in the update itself. Apple advises users to reset the Apple TV before applying the new update.
more
10/24, 9:30am
Dell XPS 14z billed as thinnest
Coming quickly on the heels of new MacBook Pros, Dell has formally launched the XPS 14z. Its system is conspicuously targeted at Apple's 13-inch notebook and uses LG's Shuriken panel tech to get a 14-inch, 1366x768 screen into the size of a 13-inch design. Unlike the exaggeration of the XPS 15z, the 14z is genuinely thinner at exactly 0.9 inches and lighter at 4.36 pounds.
more
10/24, 7:20am
MacBook Pro gets early morning upgrade
In an uncharacteristic early morning refresh, Apple on Monday updated the MacBook Pro. The new versions use slightly upgraded processors, up 100MHz on 13-inch models to 2.4GHz Core i5 and 2.8GHz Core i7 chips and 200MHz to 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz on 15- and 17-inch models. Video has also been given a boost: the base 15-inch now uses a much faster Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB of RAM, up from a 6490M with 256MB of RAM, while the higher-end 15-inch and 17-inch models use a 6770M with 1GB of RAM.
more
